New guide for LGBT patients on what to expect from their doctor
- Area of Work: The ALLIANCE
- Type: News Item
- Published: 1st June 2021
Guidance issued by the General Medical Council (GMC) for Pride Month makes clear patients must be treated fairly and without discrimination.
A new guide for lesbian, gay, bi and trans (LGBT) patients, setting out what they should expect from their doctor (this link will take you away from our website), has been published to coincide with the start of Pride Month by the General Medical Council (GMC). The guidance was developed in partnership with leading LGBT rights charity Stonewall and with the LGBT doctors organisation GLADD.
This guidance makes clear that all patients are entitled to be treated fairly and without discrimination, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Doctors must also respect their confidentiality and must not deny LGBT people access to appropriate treatment or healthcare services because of their own personal beliefs.
Research has shown that around one in seven LGBT people have experienced unequal treatment from healthcare staff because they are LGBT, according to Stonewall’s Chief Executive, Nancy Kelley:
“It’s great the General Medical Council has put together this new guide for LGBT patients. While most doctors want to deliver the best possible care, many LGBT people still fear that they will face discrimination from their healthcare providers, and we know from our research that one in seven LGBT people say they’ve avoided treatment because of these fears. Guides like this are essential tools that show LGBT people the level of care they should expect and how they can report any concerns.”
This is the first guide that the GMC have developed that is specifically aimed at LGBT people, and complements existing general guidance applicable to all patients. The GMC issues such guidance as part of its role in setting the standards that doctors must meet.
End of page.
You may also like:
This flash report provides a summary of activity and findings from the 2025/26 mental health and gambling harm projects in Scotland.
Continue readingJoin Wellbeing Scotland's board to drive lasting change for people impacted by child abuse.
Continue readingScotland’s health is dependent on dedicated action from new parliament, say ALLIANCE.
Continue readingChildren in Scotland launch their new report reflecting on the impact of GIRFEC over the past 20 years.
Continue readingThis month's Digital Citizen Panel Spotlight is Heriott-Watt University's Citizen Advisory Network.
Continue readingShare your views on the proposed HCPC fee rise before 17 July to help shape the final decision
Continue readingScottish Children's Health Awards 2026 now open for nominations until 30 June.
Continue reading#TryAToolTuesday raises awareness of free and trusted apps and resources that help people improve and manage their health and wellbeing.
Continue readingImproved voting accessibility for people with Visual Impairment
Continue readingReport calls on the UK Government to ensure Access to Work is fully accessible .
Continue readingHelp shape the new guidelines
Continue readingHelp future technology become more accessible
Continue readingAn update on our ongoing engagement with BT
Continue readingFindings show a need for quicker diagnosis and improved referrals to self management support.
Continue readingThis new resource from the Social Care Institute for Excellence brings together research, data, and practice evidence.
Continue readingThe Patient Information Forum has released a report that shares the findings of it's latest survey on health literacy and digital inclusion.
Continue readingThe ALLIANCE has co-signed Samaritans Scotland's call for change.
Continue readingThe ALLIANCE has produced a report for the Scottish Parliament's Cross-party Group on Deafness.
Continue readingJoin Tommy Whitelaw for a workshop reflecting on his experience for caring for his mum and the importance of asking 'What matters to you?'.
Continue readingIndependent Review of Scotland's Legislative Framework for Children's Care Survey now open
Continue readingRead the Scotland Reducing Gambling Harm programme's event report which explores what makes lived experience platforms successful.
Continue readingAn online library of stories exploring the question, ‘What matters to you?’
Continue readingProfessionals and members of the public are being asked to take part.
Continue readingDigital Team are launching an Online Digital Learning Series, first event is on Tuesday 12th May 10.30-12noon.
Continue readingTake part in participant-led rail journey research
Continue reading